Pressure chamber nozzle assembly

ABSTRACT

A nozzle assembly is disclosed which provides for increased atomization, a finer spray, and a reduced tendency of the apparatus to clog. The nozzle assembly includes a pressure chamber through which the spray material must pass prior to exiting the spray container through a discharge orifice. As material exiting the container passes through the pressure chamber, pressure is built up, resulting in increased shearing and atomization of the spray material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/831,913, filed Apr. 26, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a nozzle assembly for use with aspray can. More particularly, the invention relates to a nozzle assemblyconfigured to induce additional pressure build-up so that the substancebeing sprayed is atomized to a higher degree, with a reduced incidenceof clogging over other nozzles known in the art.

2. Description of Related Art

The practice of dispensing sprayable materials through traditionalaerosol spray can valve assemblies has presented problems in that thenozzle on occasion may clog, particularly when the spray can is usedinfrequently. Additionally, in some instances, a greater degree ofatomization may be desired for optimum functioning of the spray device.Furthermore, the practice of dispensing heavy and particulate materialsthrough traditional aerosol spray can valve assemblies in the aerosolindustry has presented problems in that the heavy and particulatematerials to be dispersed have a tendency to clog up the valveassemblies. These heavy and particulate materials may include exteriorstucco, heavy sand finishes, drywall and acoustic ceiling patchingmaterials, fire suppressant materials, adhesive and bonding materials,and even culinary sauces.

As is well known in the art, traditional aerosol spray cans may befilled with material for dispensing. Similarly, a traditional aerosolspray can may be filled with heavy and particulate materials forspraying.

However, because of the placement of the valve assembly in traditionalaerosol spray cans, both traditional spray materials as well as theheavy and particulate materials will clog up the valve assemblies andrender the aerosol spray cans inoperative. For example, constantoperation of these aerosol spray cans in spraying heavy and particulatematerials is not possible due to the inconsistent ability of thesetraditional valve assemblies to dispense these materials withoutclogging.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,975, issued to Stern et al., discloses an aerosolspray texturing device that is comprised of a container, a nozzle, avalve assembly, and an outlet. The valve assembly in the '975 patent islocated in the upper section of the container near the nozzle. Althoughthe nozzle tube of the device in the '975 patent may be configured tospray texture materials, the device in the '975 patent still has theproblem of clogging or packing of the valve assembly by the particulatescontained in the texture material for spraying, especially if theparticulates are large, like those found in stucco or other heavy andparticulate materials mentioned above.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,198, also to Stern, discloses a number of differentways in which texture material may be dispensed from a spray can toachieve a variety of different textures. The general concept is thatsuch different textures may be achieved by varying the diameter of theoutlet orifice. Such variation in diameter of the outlet orifice may beachieved, for example, (a) by using a plurality of different straws,each having a different internal diameter, (b) through use of arotatable cap having a plurality of differently sized holes for outletorifices, (c) through use of a deformable straw with a constrictingsleeves or (d) through use of a deformable outlet passageway with adeformable rotating cap. Such variety in textures which being availablefrom one can is highly desirable in the eye of the consumer.

Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide an apparatus thatmay be used to readily apply spray materials, including heavy andparticulate materials, in aerosol form with increased atomization andwithout clogging of the nozzle. In some instances, it may further bedesirable to spray such materials in more than one texture. Furthermore,such spray should be contained in a hand-held applicator so that thematerials may be conveniently stored, as well as dispensed in a simpleand convenient manner without clogging or packing the valve assembly ofthe applicator.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a valve assembly for use in an aerosolspray can which is configured to spray material with an increasedpressure, an increased degree of atomization and reduced clogging overtraditional valve assemblies known in the art. Such improvedfunctionality stems from the inclusion of a pressure chamber in thedispensing assembly prior to the discharge opening. The nozzle assemblyis capable of spraying a wide variety of different types of materials.Such materials include, but are not limited to, paints, resins, otherliquids and viscous materials or materials with large particulates.

The nozzle assembly according to the present invention uses many of thesame elements as conventional nozzle assemblies, but incorporates apressure chamber in the exit passageway so that material exiting thecontainer passes through the pressure chamber prior to exiting thesystem through the discharge opening or orifice. The inclusion of thepressure chamber as part of the exit passageway allows for pressurebuild-up prior to the spray material's exit of the dispensing system andgenerates increased shearing and atomization. The increased pressurealso leads to a reduced tendency for the nozzle to clog.

In embodiments, the nozzle assembly may comprise an actuator with agraduated tip extending therefrom. For example, the actuator isconfigured so that the opening from which the sprayable material entersthe tip is larger than the opening from which the sprayable materialexits the tip. A pressure chamber is fit over the graduated tip so thatthe chamber and the tip are in fluid communication with one another andthe sprayable material flows from the graduated tip into the pressurechamber. The opening through which the sprayable material exits the tipand enters the pressure chamber is also larger than the opening fromwhich the sprayable material exits the pressure chamber. In embodiments,the pressure chamber is comprised of rubber and has a generallycone-shaped structure. The pressure chamber may also be composed ofother elastic or malleable materials in place of rubber. A dialcomponent is further attached over the pressure chamber by screwingthreads on the graduated tip that are complementary to screwing threadson the inside of the dial component. The dial component facilitateschanging the diameter of the variable discharge opening so thatdifferent sprays may be dispensed. By altering the sprays, the user canapply the material to create surface textures of variable patterns ontothe desired surface.

The nozzle assembly and pressure chamber of such embodiments may be usedwith any conventional aerosol container or aerosol system. For example,the nozzle assembly and pressure chamber may be used with a variety ofspray devices like a spray gun hopper. As with conventional aerosolcontainers or systems, the actuator allows the user to selectively openor close the valve assembly so that the sprayable material is dispensedwhen desired.

In further embodiments, the nozzle assembly has two horizontally-aligneddials attached on the pressure chamber. As discussed above, each dial isattached to the nozzle assembly by screwing threads on the graduatedtip. The user can tighten each one by turning the dial so that it screwstoward the actuator and loosen each one by turning the dial so that itscrews in the opposite direction—away from the actuator. One dial isused to alter how much material is allowed to enter the pressure chamberwhile the second dial is used to change the spray by altering the sizeof the variable discharge opening or orifice. The dials can operateindependent of one another. This embodiment allows the user to changethe pressure chamber if desired, change the variable discharge openingif desired, or change both if desired.

Embodiments of the invention subject the spray material to increasedpressure prior to dispensing. The present embodiments of the pressurechamber facilitates greater compression of the sprayable material priorto exiting than previously known nozzle assemblies. This higher level ofcompression causes better shearing of the material so that the materialis sprayed with much higher atomization. The increased pressure alsoleads to a reduced tendency for the nozzle to clog.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pressure chamber valve assembly inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure chamber valve assembly inaccordance with the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1,taken along the “A-A” line of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a pressure chamber valve assembly in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a spray device which incorporates thepressure chamber valve assembly in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure chamber valve assembly inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure chamber valve assembly inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure chamber valve assembly inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a pressure chamber valve assembly inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure chamber valve assemblyof FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is an external side view of a pressure chamber valve assembly inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is an alternative side view of a pressure chamber valve assemblyin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a valve assembly for use in an aerosolspray can which is configured to spray material with an increasedpressure, an increased degree of atomization and reduced clogging overtraditional valve assemblies known in the art. Such improvedfunctionality stems from the inclusion of a pressure chamber in thedispensing assembly prior to the discharge opening. The nozzle assemblyis capable of spraying a wide variety of different types of materials.Such materials include, but are not limited to, paints, resins, otherliquids and viscous materials or materials with large particulates. Thepresent invention may also be used in a wide variety of spray devices,including but not limited to, spray guns, spray hoppers, aerosol cansand canisters, and the like.

The present invention provides an inexpensive and economical means fordispensing materials with an increased degree of atomization and areduced incidence of clogging of the nozzle. Such reduced clogging isbelieved to be facilitated by the increased spray pressure and resultingatomization of the material which is being sprayed. Not only is thepresent invention easy to manufacture and assemble, but the reducedincidence of clogging results in increased user satisfaction and isexpected to lead to a lower incidence of returns due to clogged nozzles.

When the present invention is used in association with knowntexture-modifying structures, it also provides an inexpensive andeconomical means for matching surface texture of a repaired or patchedtexture surface area. Since the spray-on hardenable texture materialcovers the repaired or patched area and visually assumes the surfacetexture of the surrounding patched or repaired surface, this results inthe user seeing an improvement in the appearance of patched or repairedareas on a textured surface.

Aerosol assemblies are well known in the art. Generally, they comprise acontainer, a valve assembly, and an actuator member. As is also wellknown in the art, depressing the actuator member moves the valveassembly into its open position in which an exit passageway is definedfrom the interior of the container to the exterior of the container.When in the open position, the pressure chamber, dip tube and dischargeopening are configured to be in flowable communication so that sprayablematerial in the container can be dispensed. The exit passagewaygenerally terminates in a discharge opening formed in the actuatormember.

The nozzle assembly according to the present invention uses many of thesame elements as prior art nozzle assemblies, but additionally includesa pressure chamber in the exit passageway so that material exiting thecontainer passes through the pressure chamber prior to exiting thesystem through the discharge orifice or opening. The inclusion of thepressure chamber as part of the exit passageway allows for pressurebuild-up prior to the spray material's exit of the dispensing system.

The invention subjects the spray material to increased pressure prior todispensing. This assists in shearing the material and provides increasedatomization of the spray material. The increased pressure also leads toa reduced tendency for the nozzle to clog. Preventing clogging isimportant, especially for acoustic materials used for creating irregularsurface textures. These materials are useful for repairing and matchingexisting surfaces, such as for example, stucco walls. Acoustic materialscan cause clogging due to the particulates that they contain in order toform a layer having the irregular surface texture. For example, acousticmaterials generally contain particulate filler materials, such as forexample, calcium carbonate, silica, talc, wollastonite, and the like.The particulate filler material desirably has various particle sizes andshapes so that when the acoustic material is applied onto the desiredsurface, the particulate forms irregular surface textures.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a valve assembly 18 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. This figure shows the variablenozzle 8 having a variable discharge opening 10 which is aligned withthe pressure chamber 14 (not shown) discharge opening or exit orifice,and the actuator 16. In some embodiments, the variable nozzle 8 iscoupled to the valve assembly by screwing threads. The user may tightenor loosen the variable nozzle 8 to enlarge or reduce the size of thevariable discharge opening 10. That is, when the variable nozzle 8 istightened, the rubber is pushed back and the variable discharge opening10 is able to discharge more spray texture material, with less fineparticles. In contrast, when the variable nozzle 8 is loosened, therubber is relaxed, and the variable discharge opening 10 discharges lessspray material, with finer particles. Thus, a smaller diameter variabledischarge opening 10 results in a finer spray texture, while a largerdiameter variable discharge opening results in a courser spray texture.

The variable nozzle 8 is one of many features of the present embodimentswhich may be added to permit the user to vary the resulting texture ofthe spray material being dispensed. Furthermore, such texture-varyingmeans are not required to use the valve assembly according to thepresent embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly 18 in accordancewith the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, takenalong the “A-A” line of FIG. 1. As shown, this figure does not include avariable spray nozzle. The pressure chamber 14 is generally flared, withthe flare starting back where the pressure chamber 14 is coupled to thevertical portion 17 of the discharge passageway. The vertical portion 17of the discharge passageway comprises, at a minimum, a dip tube. The diptube may be of sufficient length so as to extend into container 24 (SeeFIG. 4) and only along a portion of its height. Alternatively, the diptube may extend to the bottom of the container 24.

As used herein, the term “discharge passageway” will refer to thatstructure or those structures through which the spray material passes enroute from the holding container (not shown), through the pressurechamber discharge opening 9, to the variable discharge opening 10.

In different embodiments, the pressure chamber may take a variety ofdifferent shapes. By way of example, and not of limitation, it may becone-shaped or flare at a greater or lesser angle, it may be bulbous orit may be square or rectangular. Alternatively, the diameter of thedischarge passageway may remain the same after it assumes a generallyhorizontal configuration, and may widen into the pressure chamber atsome point subsequent to its turn to the horizontal configuration (thatis, from a generally vertical to generally a horizontal configuration).

FIG. 3 is a side view of a valve assembly 18 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. This figure shows the exterior 12of the pressure chamber 14, the actuator 16, and threads 20. As will berealized by one of ordinary skill in the art, such threads are simplyone means through which a protective cap may be coupled to the presentinvention.

The valve assembly 18 is preferably generally formed from plastics usingmeans readily known in the art. However, other materials may also beused to form the valve assembly 18, or portions thereof, including, butnot limited to, resins or metals. Of course, if the valve assembly 18 isused in association with a variable nozzle 8, the variable dischargeopening 10 will preferably be formed from rubber or other readilymalleable material.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a spray device 22 which incorporates thepressure chamber valve assembly 18 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. As may be seen, the spray device 22 generallyincludes a valve assembly 18, a bushing 19, a container 24 and spraymaterial 26.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the presentinvention. As may be seen, the pressure chamber 30 depicted is generallybulbous in shape. Adjacent to the pressure chamber 30 is a dischargeopening 35 that is adapted to be in flowable communication with thepressure chamber 30. The discharge opening 35 has a diameter that issmaller than a diameter of the portion of the pressure chamber thatabuts the discharge opening.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the presentinvention. As may be seen, the pressure chamber 40 depicted is generallysquare in shape. Adjacent to the pressure chamber 40 is a dischargeopening 45 that is adapted to be in flowable communication with thepressure chamber 40. The discharge opening 45 has a diameter that issmaller than a diameter of the portion of the pressure chamber thatabuts the discharge opening.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the presentinvention. As may be seen, the pressure chamber 50 depicted is generallyrectangular in shape. Adjacent to the pressure chamber 50 is a dischargeopening 55 that is adapted to be in flowable communication with thepressure chamber 50. The discharge opening 55 has a diameter that issmaller than a diameter of the portion of the pressure chamber thatabuts the discharge opening.

In further embodiments, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the nozzle assembly 90may comprise an actuator 95 with a graduated tip 100 extendingtherefrom. A pressure chamber 105 is fit over the graduated tip 100 sothat the chamber and the tip are in fluid communication with each otherand the sprayable material flows from the graduated tip 100 into thepressure chamber 105. In such embodiments, the actuator 95 is configuredso that the opening from which the sprayable material enters the tip 100is larger than the opening from which the sprayable material exits thetip 100. The opening through which the sprayable material exits the tip100 and enters the pressure chamber 105 is also larger than the openingfrom which the sprayable material exits the pressure chamber 105. Inembodiments, the pressure chamber 105 is comprised of rubber and has agenerally cone-shaped structure. The pressure chamber 105 may also becomposed of other elastic or malleable materials in place of rubber. Adial component 110 is further attached over the pressure chamber 105 byscrewing threads 108 on the graduated tip 100 that are complementary toscrewing threads on the inside of the dial component 110. The dialcomponent 110 facilitates changing the diameter of the variabledischarge opening 115 so that different sprays may be dispensed. Byaltering the sprays, the user can apply the material to create surfacetextures of variable patterns onto the desired surface.

The nozzle assembly and pressure chamber of such embodiments may be usedwith any conventional aerosol container or aerosol system. As withconventional aerosol containers or systems, the actuator allows the userto selectively open or close the valve assembly so that the sprayablematerial is dispensed when desired.

The force with which the sprayable material is transferred from thecontainer and through the nozzle assembly 90 is multiplied by thepressure chamber 105. The sprayable material is propelled from thecontainer into the graduated tip 100. The sprayable material issequentially propelled from the graduated tip 100 into the pressurechamber 105 from which it is ultimately dispensed onto the desiredsurface. The shape of the pressure chamber 105 and the multiplied forcehelp compress a much greater amount of material together prior toexiting than previously known nozzle assemblies. The high compressioncauses better shearing of the material so that the material is sprayedwith much higher atomization.

The graduated tip 100 begins building pressure before the materialenters the pressure chamber 105. For example, pressure builds up asmaterial enters the graduated tip 100 because the gradual decrease indiameter quickly compresses the material together as the material exitsthe graduated tip 100 and enter into the pressure chamber 105. Thecompressed sprayable material is further compressed within the pressurechamber 105. Thus, even more pressure is built up in the pressurechamber 105, adding to the amplified compression and further shearing ofthe material and further shearing.

The dial component 110 facilitates the changing of the diameter of thevariable discharge opening 115 so that different sprays may bedispensed. By altering the sprays, the user can apply the material tocreate surface textures of variable patterns onto the desired surface.The pressure chamber 105 comprises an elastic material which isdeformable in a manner to vary the size of the spray opening 55. Thedial component 50 contacts the variable discharge opening 115 of thepressure chamber 105 uniformly in a circumferential direction around theopening. The dial component 110 is movable relative to the pressurechamber 105 and graduated tip 100 to apply a deforming force in adirection parallel to the direction in which the sprayable material isdispensed from the variable discharge opening 115 for deforming theelastic material of the pressure chamber 105 to vary the size of thespray opening.

The user may tighten or loosen the dial component 110 to enlarge orreduce the size of the variable discharge opening 115. In theseembodiments, the variable discharge opening 115 is where the sprayablematerial exits from the pressure chamber 105. That is, when the dial 110is tightened, the rubber surrounding the circumference of the variabledischarge opening 115 of the pressure chamber 105 is pushed back and thevariable discharge opening 115 is enlarged. In this manner, the nozzleassembly 90 is able to discharge more spray texture material, with lessfine particles. In contrast, when the dial 110 is loosened, the rubberis relaxed, and the variable discharge opening 115 is reduced in size todischarge less spray material, with finer particles. Thus, a smallerdiameter variable discharge opening 115 results in a finer spraytexture, while a larger diameter variable discharge opening 115 resultsin a courser spray texture.

The dial 110 is attached to the base of the graduated tip 100 byscrewing threads 108. The user can tighten the dial 110 by turning thedial on the threads 108 in one direction while the user can loosen thedial 110 by turning the dial 110 on the threads 108 in the oppositedirection. More specifically, when the variable discharge opening 115 istightened by screwing the dial 110 in towards the actuator 95, therubber surrounding the variable discharge opening 115 is pushed orflexed back and the variable discharge opening 115 is stretched wider.When the dial 110 is loosened by screwing the dial 110 away from theactuator 95, the rubber surrounding the discharge opening 115 isrelaxed. The dial component 110 may also be removed completely if sodesired.

Embodiments of the invention subject the spray material to increasedpressure prior to dispensing. The present embodiments of the pressurechamber facilitates more compression of the sprayable material thanpreviously known nozzle assemblies. This higher level of compressioncauses better shearing of the material so that the material is sprayedwith much higher atomization. The increased pressure also leads to areduced tendency for the nozzle to clog.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the nozzle assembly hastwo horizontally-aligned dial components 65, 70 attached to the pressurechamber 80. As discussed above, each dial is attached to the nozzleassembly 60 by screwing threads 88. The user can tighten the dials 65,70 by turning each dial so that it screws toward the actuator 85 andloosen each one by turning the dial so that it screws in the oppositedirection-away from the actuator 85. One dial 65 is used to alter howmuch material is allowed to enter the pressure chamber 80 while theother dial 70 is used to alter the diameter of the variable dischargeopening 75 of the pressure chamber 80. The dials 65, 70 can operateindependent of one another.

In these embodiments, the nozzle assembly 60 has a first dial 65 and asecond dial 70 aligned horizontally. The first dial 65 is used tocontrol how much material is released from the container into thepressure chamber 80. The first dial 65 can constrict the pressurechamber 80 so that less material enters the chamber 80 and thus lesspressure is built up. The first dial 65 may also relax the entry intothe pressure chamber 80 from the container so that more material iscompressed into the pressure chamber 80 and high pressure is built up.Thus, the first dial 65 allows the user to select the amount of shearingand subsequent atomization desired. The second dial 70 is used to varythe variable discharge opening 75 so as to change the dispensed spray,as described above. The second dial 70 allows the user to select thetype of spray to be dispensed, e.g., coarse or fine spray. In theseembodiments, the variable discharge opening 75 is where the sprayablematerial exits from the pressure chamber 80. Embodiments shown in FIGS.10 and 11 allow the user to change the pressure chamber 80 if desired,change the variable discharge opening 75 if desired, or change both ifdesired. For example, the user may loosen the first dial 65 so as toallow more material to enter the pressure chamber 80 resulting ingreater shearing and atomization. If the user wants to create a finelyatomized spray, the user may additionally loosen the second dial 70 sothat the variable discharge opening 75 is smaller. The user may alsotighten the first dial 65 so less material enters the pressure chamber80 if less shearing is desired, and tighten the second dial 70 toachieve a coarse spray. Of course, the user may also tighten the firstdial 65 while loosening the second dial 70 or vice versa, depending onthe level of shearing/atomization and type of spray desired. In thismanner, the user may customize how the sprayable material is dispensedin a variety of combinations.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be understood that many modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claimsare intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the truescope and spirit of the present invention. The presently disclosedembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description,and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency ofthe claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

1. A nozzle assembly for dispensing a sprayable material, the assemblycomprising: an actuator coupled to the top opening of the dip tube, theactuator having a graduated tip extending therefrom; a pressure chamberattached to the graduated tip, the pressure chamber being adapted to bein flowable communication with the graduated tip and the dip tube; avariable discharge opening in flowable communication with the pressurechamber, the variable discharge opening having a diameter that issmaller than a diameter of the pressure chamber; and a dial componentattached over the pressure chamber by screw threads on the graduatedtip, wherein the dial component contacts the variable discharge openinguniformly in a circumferential direction around the variable dischargeopening and is movable relative to the pressure chamber and thegraduated tip to apply a deforming force in a direction parallel to thedirection in which the sprayable material is dispensed from the variabledischarge opening to vary the size of the variable discharge opening. 2.The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the pressure chamber isgenerally cone-shaped.
 3. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein thegraduated tip has a diameter that gradually decreases as the graduatedtip extends away from the actuator.
 4. The nozzle assembly of claim 1,wherein the pressure chamber is rubber.
 5. The nozzle assembly of claim1, wherein the size of the variable discharge opening is changed by auser.
 6. The nozzle assembly of claim 5, wherein the user can vary thesurface texture formed by the dispensed sprayable material by changingthe size of the variable discharge opening.
 7. The nozzle assembly ofclaim 1 being adapted to apply the sprayable material so that a layerhaving an irregular surface texture is formed.
 8. A nozzle assembly fordispensing a sprayable material, the assembly comprising: an actuatorcoupled to the top opening of the dip tube; a pressure chamber adaptedto be in flowable communication with the dip tube; a variable dischargeopening in flowable communication with the pressure chamber, thevariable discharge opening having a diameter that is smaller than adiameter of the pressure chamber; a first dial component attached overthe pressure chamber, wherein the first dial component contacts thepressure chamber uniformly in a circumferential direction around theexterior of the pressure chamber and is movable relative to the pressurechamber to apply a deforming force in a direction parallel to thedirection in which the sprayable material is dispensed from the variabledischarge opening to vary an amount of sprayable material that isallowed into the pressure chamber; and a second dial component attachedover the pressure chamber, wherein the second dial component contactsthe variable discharge opening uniformly in a circumferential directionaround the variable discharge opening and is movable relative to thepressure chamber to apply a deforming force in a direction parallel tothe direction in which the sprayable material is dispensed from thevariable discharge opening to vary the size of the variable dischargeopening.
 9. The nozzle assembly of claim 8, wherein the pressure chamberis generally cone-shaped.
 10. The nozzle assembly of claim 8, whereinthe pressure chamber is rubber.
 11. The nozzle assembly of claim 8,wherein the size of the variable discharge opening is changed by a user.12. The nozzle assembly of claim 11, wherein the user can vary thesurface texture formed by the dispensed sprayable material by changingthe size of the variable discharge opening.
 13. The nozzle assembly ofclaim 8, wherein the amount of sprayable material that is allowed intothe pressure chamber is changed by a user.
 14. The nozzle assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the user can vary shearing level of the sprayablematerial by changing the amount of sprayable material that is allowedinto the pressure chamber.
 15. The nozzle assembly of claim 8 beingadapted to apply the sprayable material so that a layer having anirregular surface texture is formed.
 16. The nozzle assembly of claim 8,wherein the first dial and the second dial move independent of eachother.
 17. An aerosol system comprising: a container; a sprayablematerial in the container; a nozzle assembly that sprays the sprayablematerial from the container; and a dip tube having a top opening and abottom opening, wherein the dip tube is attached to the nozzle assemblyand is at least primarily disposed inside the container, and wherein thenozzle assembly comprises an actuator coupled to the top opening of thedip tube, the actuator having a graduated tip extending therefrom, apressure chamber attached to the graduated tip, the pressure chamberbeing adapted to be in flowable communication with the graduated tip andthe dip tube, a variable discharge opening in flowable communicationwith the pressure chamber, the variable discharge opening having adiameter that is smaller than a diameter of the pressure chamber, and adial component attached over the pressure chamber by screw threads onthe graduated tip, wherein the dial component contacts the variabledischarge opening uniformly in a circumferential direction around thevariable discharge opening and is movable relative to the pressurechamber and the graduated tip to apply a deforming force in a directionparallel to the direction in which the sprayable material is dispensedfrom the variable discharge opening to vary the size of the variabledischarge opening.
 18. The aerosol system of claim 16, wherein thegraduated tip has a diameter that gradually decreases as the graduatedtip extends away from the actuator.
 19. An aerosol system comprising: acontainer; a sprayable material in the container; a nozzle assembly thatsprays the sprayable material from the container; and a dip tube havinga top opening and a bottom opening, wherein the dip tube is attached tothe nozzle assembly and is at least primarily disposed inside thecontainer, and wherein the nozzle assembly comprises an actuator coupledto the top opening of the dip tube, a pressure chamber adapted to be inflowable communication with the dip tube, a variable discharge openingin flowable communication with the pressure chamber, the variabledischarge opening having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter ofthe pressure chamber, a first dial component attached over the pressurechamber, wherein the first dial component contacts the pressure chamberuniformly in a circumferential direction around the exterior of thepressure chamber and is movable relative to the pressure chamber toapply a deforming force in a direction parallel to the direction inwhich the sprayable material is dispensed from the variable dischargeopening to vary an amount of sprayable material that is allowed into thepressure chamber, and a second dial component attached over the pressurechamber, wherein the second dial component contacts the variabledischarge opening uniformly in a circumferential direction around thevariable discharge opening and is movable relative to the pressurechamber to apply a deforming force in a direction parallel to thedirection in which the sprayable material is dispensed from the variabledischarge opening to vary the size of the variable discharge opening.20. The aerosol system of claim 18, wherein the size of the variabledischarge opening is changed by a user.
 21. The aerosol system of claim18, wherein the amount of sprayable material that is allowed into thepressure chamber is changed by a user.